PODCAST

October 30th, 2012

In the parable of the unmerciful servant (Matt. 18:23-35), Jesus taught the necessity of being merciful and forgiving toward others. A king demanded that one of his subjects immediately repay an enormous debt. Facing the prospect of prison the servant begged the king for mercy. The servant promised to pay back everything if he could just have more time. The king was moved to compassion by the pleas of the servant. He did more than grant the requested extension of time. He forgave the debt completely! Mercy triumphed over judgment. This same servant went out and found a fellow servant who owed him a relatively small sum by comparison. He demanded immediate repayment. When his debtor pled for more time to repay the loan, his request was totally denied. When the king heard what had happened, he summoned the man whom he had forgiven so much. He condemned him for not extending mercy to his fellow servant. He who showed no mercy received no mercy.